When it comes to heating new build properties in Wiltshire, combining heat pumps with underfloor heating creates one of the most efficient and comfortable solutions available. This powerful pairing has become increasingly popular across Trowbridge, Melksham and surrounding areas as homeowners and developers prioritise energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental impact. As local Wiltshire heating specialists, we’ve installed numerous systems that integrate these technologies, witnessing firsthand the exceptional results they deliver in new construction projects.
Why Heat Pumps and Underfloor Heating Work So Well Together
The partnership between heat pumps and underfloor heating is particularly effective because of their complementary operating characteristics:
1. Low-Temperature Operation
Heat pumps operate most efficiently when generating lower water temperatures (35-45°C) compared to traditional boilers (60-80°C). Underfloor heating is designed to work perfectly at these lower temperatures, creating an ideal match that maximises efficiency.
Unlike conventional radiators that need higher temperatures to emit sufficient heat, underfloor systems distribute warmth across a much larger surface area, allowing effective heating even at lower water temperatures.
2. Even Heat Distribution
Underfloor heating provides remarkably consistent warmth throughout a room, eliminating the cold spots often experienced with radiator systems. The gentle, radiant heat rises evenly from the floor, creating a comfortable environment from the ground up.
This even distribution aligns perfectly with heat pumps, which perform best when providing a steady, consistent heat output rather than the rapid temperature fluctuations associated with traditional heating systems.
3. Energy Efficiency Benefits
When combining heat pumps with underfloor heating in new builds, the efficiency gains are substantial:
- Up to 40% more efficient than heat pumps with conventional radiators
- Potential to achieve Coefficient of Performance (CoP) ratings of 4 or higher (meaning 4kW of heat output for every 1kW of electricity input)
- Reduced temperature cycling, which minimises energy waste
- Opportunity to achieve excellent EPC ratings, boosting property value
As we explain in our guide to heat pump running costs, these efficiency gains translate directly into lower energy bills.
Design Considerations for New Builds
When planning a new build with a heat pump and underfloor heating system, several key design considerations will ensure optimal performance:
Insulation Standards
New builds offer the perfect opportunity to implement exceptional insulation, which is crucial for heat pump efficiency. We recommend:
- Exceeding current Building Regulations U-value requirements where possible
- Focusing on airtightness to minimise heat loss
- Using high-performance windows and doors
- Considering the building’s orientation to maximise solar gain in winter
Our experience across various new developments in Chippenham and Westbury has shown that investing in superior insulation from the outset delivers significant long-term benefits when using a heat pump system.
Underfloor Heating Design
For optimal performance with heat pumps, the underfloor heating design needs careful consideration:
- Pipe spacing: Typically tighter than with conventional boilers (usually 100-150mm vs 200mm)
- Manifold configuration: Ensuring balanced flow across all heating zones
- Floor construction: Different solutions for screeded floors vs. dry systems
- Zoning strategy: Designing appropriate heating zones for efficient control
When we design systems for new builds, we calculate the specific heat output requirements for each room, ensuring the underfloor heating can deliver sufficient warmth even at low flow temperatures.
Heat Pump Sizing
Accurate sizing is essential for a heat pump in a new build. While improved insulation reduces overall heating demand, other factors must be considered:
- Domestic hot water requirements
- Peak heating load during extreme weather
- Future-proofing for potential extensions
- Backup heating needs during extreme conditions
As we discuss in our article on heat pump sizing, proper calculations prevent both under and over-sizing, which can impact performance and running costs.
Practical System Configurations
When installing heat pumps with underfloor heating in new builds across Wiltshire, we typically recommend one of these configurations:
Configuration 1: Direct Flow System
In this setup, the heat pump connects directly to the underfloor heating system, with:
- A buffer tank to provide hydraulic separation
- Weather compensation controls to adjust flow temperatures
- Intelligent zoning controls for room-by-room management
This configuration works exceptionally well in highly insulated new builds, offering simplicity and maximum efficiency.
Configuration 2: Low-Loss Header System
For larger new properties or those with multiple heating demands:
- A low-loss header separates the heat pump circuit from the heating circuits
- Multiple temperature zones can operate simultaneously
- Can accommodate mixed systems (e.g., underfloor heating downstairs, radiators upstairs)
This configuration provides greater flexibility for larger or more complex new build projects in areas like Frome and Warminster.
Configuration 3: Hybrid System with Solar Integration
For the most sustainable new builds:
- Integration of solar thermal or solar PV with diversion
- Heat pump serves as the primary heat source
- Renewable electricity powers the heat pump when available
- Intelligent controls maximise use of solar energy
Several of our new build installations around Melksham have incorporated this approach, achieving impressive self-sufficiency and minimal running costs.
Control Strategies for Maximum Comfort and Efficiency
The control strategy is crucial when combining heat pumps with underfloor heating in new constructions:
Weather Compensation
This essential feature adjusts the flow temperature based on outdoor conditions. On milder days, the system operates at lower temperatures, maximising efficiency while maintaining comfort.
Time and Temperature Zoning
Unlike traditional heating systems that often heat the entire house to one temperature, modern controls allow:
- Different temperatures in different rooms
- Varied heating schedules throughout the home
- Smartphone control for adjustment on the go
- Learning algorithms that adapt to your lifestyle
These smart controls are particularly valuable in new builds, where open-plan living spaces might have different heating requirements from bedrooms or utility areas.
Setback vs. Constant Temperature
With underfloor heating and heat pumps, we generally recommend smaller temperature setbacks than with conventional systems:
- Maintain a minimum background temperature (typically 16-18°C)
- Use modest setbacks of 2-3°C rather than switching off completely
- Allow longer warm-up periods for optimal efficiency
This approach maintains the thermal mass of the screed, reducing the energy needed to bring spaces back up to temperature.
Case Study: New Build in Trowbridge
We recently installed a combined air source heat pump and underfloor heating system in a new 4-bedroom detached property in Trowbridge. The system featured:
- 8kW air source heat pump
- Full underfloor heating throughout the ground floor
- Oversized aluminium radiators on the first floor
- Integrated 200L hot water cylinder
- Smart zoning controls with internet connectivity
The property achieved an EPC rating of A, with projected heating costs approximately 60% lower than an equivalent home with a gas boiler. The homeowners particularly appreciate the invisible heating system, freeing up wall space and providing consistent warmth throughout the winter.
Installation Practicalities for New Builds
One of the major advantages of installing this combination in new builds is the opportunity to plan from the ground up:
- Pipework can be optimally routed before walls are closed
- Plant room space can be designed appropriately
- External heat pump unit location can be optimised
- Floor heights can be planned to accommodate underfloor heating
- Electrical infrastructure can be sized correctly from the outset
These factors make installation in new builds generally more straightforward than retrofitting existing properties, as we discuss in our article on heat pump installation processes.
Cost Considerations
While combining heat pumps with underfloor heating represents a higher initial investment than traditional heating systems, new builds offer several financial advantages:
- No removal costs for existing systems
- Reduced installation complexity
- Opportunity to incorporate the costs into the overall mortgage
- Potential for higher property valuation
- Access to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500
- Significantly reduced running costs from day one
For most new build projects in Wiltshire, we find the additional upfront cost is between £6,000-£10,000 compared to a gas boiler with radiators, after accounting for available grants. However, the lifetime running cost savings typically make this a sound investment.
The Future of New Build Heating
With the Future Homes Standard on the horizon and gas boilers due to be phased out in new builds from 2025, the combination of heat pumps and underfloor heating represents not just an option but increasingly the standard approach for new construction.
Developers across Wiltshire are already adapting to this reality, and homeowners building their own properties are increasingly seeking this future-proof solution that offers superior comfort, lower running costs, and reduced environmental impact.
Expert Installation for Your New Build Project
If you’re planning a new build project in Wiltshire and considering combining heat pumps with underfloor heating, professional design and installation are essential to achieve the full benefits of this excellent pairing.
As MCS-certified heat pump installers with extensive experience in new build projects across Wiltshire, A N Heating Ltd can provide comprehensive design, installation and commissioning services.
Our team can work alongside your architect and builder from the early planning stages to ensure your heating system delivers optimal performance, efficiency and comfort for years to come.
Contact us today on 01225 708 562 or email info@anheating.co.uk to discuss how we can help create the perfect heating solution for your new build project.
